Background:
Cancer and its treatment impose a substantial psychosocial burden, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, and impaired quality of life. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, the emotional and functional challenges experienced by patients and survivors are frequently overlooked, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where routine psychosocial screening remains limited.
Objective:
To assess the psychosocial wellbeing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer patients and survivors using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – General (FACIT-G) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and to explore associations with disease and treatment characteristics.
Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study will be conducted at a tertiary oncology center in India over a defined period. Adult patients (≥18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of malignancy, either undergoing active treatment or in post-treatment surveillance (survivors), will be consecutively enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Participants will complete the FACIT-G and HADS questionnaires in their native language. Sociodemographic and clinical data will be collected. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and multivariate regression to identify predictors of poor psychosocial outcomes.
Expected Results:
We anticipate a considerable proportion of patients to exhibit moderate to severe levels of anxiety and/or depression as per HADS scores, with a significant impact on overall HRQoL domains on FACIT-G. Patients undergoing active treatment and those with advanced-stage disease are expected to report higher distress levels compared to long-term survivors.
Conclusion:
This study aims to underscore the unmet psychosocial needs of cancer patients and survivors in LMIC oncology settings. Routine use of validated tools like FACIT-G and HADS can facilitate early identification of distress and integration of psychosocial care into comprehensive cancer management. Findings may support the implementation of targeted psychosocial interventions in routine oncology practice.